Billy T JamesComedian [Tainui]

Billy T James ranks as a key figure in the development of Kiwi comedy. Billy honed his talents as a singer and comedian on stages around the world, then bought them to a local TV audience on 80s show Radio Times. His self-titled comedy show was a major ratings hit, while movie classic Came a Hot Friday won him both awards and acclaim. Billy T is remembered for his infectious chuckle, black singlet and yellow towel.

He sang. He danced. He drew. He joked. His live shows never failed to sell out and crowds flocked around him whenever he was out in public. He enjoyed popularity and wealth on a scale that had never been seen before in New Zealand.

– Matt Elliott, in his book Billy T - The Life and Times of Billy T James

Awards

1990 Variety Artists Club of New ZealandBenny Award (supremen award)

1986 GOFTA Listener Film & Television AwardsBest Male Performance in a Supporting Role: for Came a Hot FridayBest Entertainment Programme: for The Billy T James ShowBest Male Performance in a Non-Dramatic TV Role: for The Billy T James Show

1986 Member of the British Empire (MBE)For Services to Entertainment

1985 Variety Artists Club of New ZealandGolden Microphone

1985 Entertainer of the DecadeFor the period 1975 - 19841984 Feltex Television AwardsBest Entertainment Award